Riyaaz Retreat 2025 by Pallavi Kathak Gurukul
With Pallavi Degwekar Shaikh and Shweta Pandya
August 14 - 17, 2025
RETREAT BY INVITED PRESENTER
Detach from worldly concerns as you immerse yourself in the world of dance or vocals. This is a rare opportunity to study with master gurus in a hands-on, immersive experience, while also meditating and connecting with nature.
- Kathak Retreat: This choreography intensive with the legendary Pallavi Degwekar Shaikh will help dance lovers understand and finesse the subtle nuances of technique and expression.
- Vocal Retreat: A residency of intensive study with renowned teacher Shweta Pandya, this retreat offers a rare opportunity to refine your vocal technique, absorb the nuances of classical music, and strengthen your connection with the art form
Investing four days of quality time in your art is an effective way to connect with and understand your guru’s teachings—an essential step in perfecting your craft. Both programs will be helpful to those who are approaching exams—and joyful for those who simply want to celebrate the art form.
These two retreats follow a holistic approach to learning through:
- Guided practice sessions to refine technique
- Group discussions on various thought provoking topics
- Morning meditation to build endurance and focus
- Individual feedback to support personal progress
- Give and take sessions for Kathak students with Riyaaz Retreat’s newly added Vocal program!
KATHAK RETREAT
For the fourth year, our Kathak retreat will be led by Guru Pallavi Degwekar, a versatile and accomplished Kathak expert. This program will offer dance lovers a chance to immerse themselves in the blissful world of dance, providing a retreat from daily distractions as you explore the deep relationship between dance and music.
Guru Pallavi Degwekar will be teaching a unique new choreography, which will be demanding yet an absolute treat for the soul. This structured and immersive Kathak (North Indian Classical Dance) training includes Riyaaz techniques and an in-depth understanding of all the material that will be taught. The program is rigorous and intense to cultivate a meaningful experience. However, all participants are welcome and encouraged to listen to their own bodies and take breaks when needed.
Through this retreat, you will experience:
- Physical and mental discipline—the importance of consistency in practice
- Isolated techniques for developing strong Tatkaar, proper body alignment, graceful posture, and how to effectively express one’s self
- New unique choreography: A Taal Presentation (Rhythmic Cycle)
Students will be able to perform this piece for exams & performances (with due credit, acknowledgment, and permission of Guru Pallavi Degwekar); audio tracks will be provided - Deeper awareness of rhythm, expression, and movement
- Inspiration and motivation from an immersive learning experience
- A sense of artistic community with fellow dancers
- A renewed sense of energy and purpose.
With 4 days of dedicated learning under your Guru Pallavi Degwekar’s guidance, this program is a valuable opportunity to deepen your understanding of the art form. Investing this quality time will help you absorb your Guru’s teachings, an essential step in your journey toward becoming a well rounded dancer.
VOCAL RETREAT
Our vocal retreat will be guided by the teacher and vocalist Shweta Pandya. This unique program is designed for those who wish to deepen their understanding of Indian classical music while immersing themselves in a tranquil and inspiring environment.
Offering a deep dive into Hindustani music, the retreat is designed to provide participants with an enriching experience of learning, understanding, and performing the elements that make Hindustani music so captivating, with a focus on the raga as both a concept and a medium of expression.
Over 4 days of immersive learning, the retreat will provide:
- An introduction to swaras, saptaks (octaves), and tala (rhythm) in Hindustani music
- Understanding and performing Raga Yaman
- Practice in singing swaras and traditional compositions
- An introduction to improvisation in the Hindustani classical tradition, a core aspect of Hindustani music, allowing participants to explore the creative freedom that comes with raga-based performance.
- A lived experience of the mental and spiritual benefits of Hindustani music
Whether you’re a beginner or have some prior knowledge of music, this collaborative workshop provides a space to deeply experience and understand the intricate beauty of Hindustani classical music.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
- Intimate setting with personal access to the teacher
- Interactive sessions with question and answer periods
- Shamatha and guided meditations
- Delicious all-vegetarian meals with locally sourced ingredients
- Option to extend stay on Personal Retreat
- Extensive library of dharma books
- Expansive wooded grounds with beautiful flora and fauna
PREREQUISITES
Kathak Retreat: This program is designed for intermediate/advanced level Kathak students/practitioners. A minimum of 4 years previous training is required.
Vocal Retreat: This program is open to all ages and skill levels.
SCHEDULE
(subject to change)
Thursday, August 14
| 3:00-4:00 PM | Check in |
| 4:00-6:00 PM | Orientation and Meet and Greet |
| 6:00-7:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:00-9:30 PM | Program |
Friday, August 15 & Saturday, August 16
| 6:30-7:00 AM | Yoga and Meditation |
| 8:00-8:30 AM | Breakfast |
| 9:00 AM-12:00 PM | Program |
| 12:00-1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:30-6:00 PM | Program |
| 6:00-7:00 PM | Dinner |
| 7:15-9:30 PM | Program |
Sunday, August 17
| 7:00-7:30 AM | Breakfast |
| 7:30 AM-12:00 PM | Program |
| 12:00-1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM | Checkout and Departure |
Teachers
Guru Pallavi Degwekar is an accomplished Kathak expert and Guru with 30 years of experience in performing and teaching. An internationally acclaimed artist, she has performed at numerous festivals in India and the U.S. Carrying forward her Guru, Asha Tai Joglekar’s, legacy, she has developed a unique style incorporating elements from the Lucknow, Jaipur, and Banaras gharanas. She is the founder of Pallavi Kathak Gurukul, dedicated to preserving Kathak in its authentic form. In 2022, she launched Riyaaz Retreat to unite dance practitioners for a holistic, immersive learning experience. Her vibrant and charismatic presence makes learning under her guidance unforgettable!…
Learn more about Pallavi Degwekar Shaikh
Shweta Pandya is a singer, performer, and music teacher based in New Jersey, originally from Detroit, MI. With over 20 years of training in Indian classical arts, she holds a Master of Arts in Performing Arts (Vocal) from Veer Narmad South Gujarat University. A student of Smt. Mrinalini Arkatkar (Gwalior Gharana) at Gamak Academy, Shweta founded Sur Sangat Academy in 2020. She teaches Hindustani vocal music and keyboard to students worldwide, preserving and passing on the traditions of Hindustani music. Shweta has performed at prestigious venues such as the National Arts Club, 92NY, and Barclays Center, and toured with Barkha…
Learn more about Shweta Pandya
